Bound by shadows

In The Grip Of Fear

I woke up to the gentle hum of my alarm, its soft chimes gradually pulling me from the depth of my sleep. I lay still for a moment, letting the remnants of my dreams fade away swinging my legs over the side of the bed.

The cool floor sent shivers up my spine, but I enjoyed the sensation as it helped to fully wake me. I walked over to the bathroom and turned on the shower, letting the water run hot over my body. The steam enveloped me, and I closed my eyes enjoying the warmth.

After my bath, I chose a simple outfit: a light blue blouse tucked into black tailored pants, paired with comfortable flats. I brushed my hair until it shone and applied just a touch of makeup, giving my face, a fresh, bright look. I then headed to the kitchen where I made myself a quick breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast, accompanied by a cup of strong, black coffee.

I ate quickly, the morning sun shining through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over my surroundings.

Grabbing my bag, I checked that I had everything I needed before heading out.

The bus station was only a short walk from my apartment, and I enjoyed the brief stroll, the morning air was still cool and fresh. I boarded the bus and found a seat by the window, looking out at the city as it came to life.

As the bus started to move, I saw a man beating a woman on the sidewalk. Striking her with brutal force while passersby hurried past, pretending not to see. My heart tightened in my chest, and I turned my head away, closing my eyes as I fought to suppress the emotions surging within me. Memories of a past I had desperately tried to forget began to surface, but I pushed them down, focusing instead on my breathing.

The bus made its first stop, and I got off, grateful for the chance to walk the remaining distance to the company. The walk helped to calm me, and by the time I reached the entrance, i felt more relaxed. I showed my new ID to the AI automated machine at the front, which scanned it and allowed me entry.

Inside, I was greeted by Caleb, who offered me a warm smile and a cup of coffee.

“Good morning, Kate! How’s your day going so far?” He asked, handing me the cup.

“Morning, Caleb. It’s been good, thanks. Just the usual routine”, I replied, taking the coffee gratefully. “How about you?”

“Oh, you know, the same old. Anyway, there’s a mountain of work waiting for you at your desk, courtesy of the previous web producer. Are you ready?”

I laughed lightly. “As ready as I”ll ever be”

Caleb nodded, giving me an encouraging smile.

“Well, Goodluck. If you need anything, just holler”.

“Thanks, Caleb. I appreciate it”.

I made my way to my desk, where a pile of workload awaited me. I sat down, determined to tackle the tasks head-on. Hours flew by and it wasn’t until I glanced at the clock and saw that it was 9:30pm that I realized how late it had gotten.

The halls were empty and the building was quiet. Stretching my arms above my head, I stood up. Yawning, I gathered my things and headed out of the building. As I stepped outside, a chilling sensation ran down my spine. I felt someone watching me. Looking up, I noticed a figure standing by a window on the top floor. The figure disappeared as soon as I spotted it, but I saw the lights were still on.

“Could that be the chairman?” I thought, remembering that Caleb mentioned he was around.

I had the sudden urge to take the elevator to the top floor but decided against it. Instead, I began my walk to the bus station, the road seeming longer and darker than usual. My mind played tricks on me, creating scenarios of nabbing and murder.

“You watch too many crime movies, Kate. Get your thoughts together and stop being paranoid”, I scolded myself.

However, my fears seemed true when I was stopped by three men. They came from the shadows, their eyes predatory.

The first man, tall and lanky with greasy hair and a scar running down his cheek, stepped in front of me.

“What’s a pretty lady like you doing walking alone at this time of the night, eh? He asked.

The second man, shorter but sturdier with a tattoo snaking up his neck, smirked.

“A beautiful woman like you shouldn’t be alone” he said, reaching out to touch my face.

I stepped back, my heart pounding.

”Get away from me!” I warned, my voice trembling.

I collided with the third man, who was muscular and imposing, his presence sending a new wave of fear through me. I shrieked and moved away, finding myself surrounded.

I searched my bag, desperately, for some kind of weapon but there was none so I settled for a pen. Pulling it out and waving it in the air.

“Stay back! I’m warning you!”

The men laughed, finding my threat amusing.

“What are you going to do with that, b***h? Stab us?” The scarred man taunted, stepping closer.

My mind became clouded with fear. Tears stings my eyes. I blinked back the tears, refusing to show any weakness. The scarred man attempted to grab me, I stabbed his hand with the pen.

He screamed in pain, casting me angry look.

“You Little b***h!” He snarled.

The other two men grabbed my arms before I could try to escape, holding me in place. The scarred man grabbed my cheeks roughly with his bleeding hand, raising his other hand to hit me.

“Now, that’s no way to treat a lady”, a deep voice called out from behind us.

We all turned to see a tall, well-dressed man. He was leaning on his car, casually, his hands in his pockets. I recognized him immediately, feeling a mixture of surprise and relief.

“This is no concern of yours, Mr. Go on your way, if you wish to save your life”, the scarred man said, scowling.

“Yeah, act like you saw nothing and you won’t get hurt”, the tattooed man added.

The newcomer tilted his head to the side, studying them.

“But I did see something. And you see, this is exactly my business because that woman belongs to me. Or don’t you?” He asked, his eyes locking unto mine’s.

I stared at him in disbelief. What game was he playing?

He stood there, waiting for my answer. The men also looked at me expectantly.

“No, I don’t”, i said, glaring at him.

“Oh, my bad then. I actually thought it was someone I knew. Carry on”, he said, turning to leave.

A wave of panic hit me at the thought of being alone with these men.

“I do!” I shouted before he could leave.

He stopped and turned back to me.

“You do what?”

I swallowed hard. “I belong to you… him. I belong to him”.